Calopteryx aequabilis
Say, 1839
River Jewelwing
Calopterygidae, Broad-winged Damsel Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This metallic green damselfly has dark colored bands on tips of wings; the bands on the hindwings are being wider than those on the forewings. Females have small white spots near tips of wings (stigmas). The length of the body varies from 1.7 to 2.1 inches for both males and females.
Description of Habitat/Range:
This species is common throughout northern United States and southern Canada. It is usually found on a variety of small to medium streams and rivers, especially along swift riffles. It is common and widely distributed on larger, flowing waters throughout Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Early June to mid-August in Wisconsin.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
4%
(28)
(28)
65%
(497)
(497)
27%
(203)
(203)
3%
(26)
(26)
1%
(4)
(4)
<1%
(1)
(1)
Shading illustrates monthly percentages of the total flight season records for the species.
Each flight season record is a unique date/location/observer combination where one or more adult or an
exuvia was recorded (excludes nymphs). The actual number of flight season records for each month is shown
in parentheses.
Flight seasons begin earlier in the southern part of the state, often by a week or more. Also, flight charts may not be accurate for rare species because of few data available.
Flight seasons begin earlier in the southern part of the state, often by a week or more. Also, flight charts may not be accurate for rare species because of few data available.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Male river jewelwing. © Dan Jackson
Male river jewelwing. © Mike Reese
Teneral male river jewelwing. © Dan Jackson
Female river jewelwing. © Dan Jackson
Immature female river jewelwing. © Dan Jackson
River jewelwing pair. © Dan Jackson